IN THE CASE OF:  

		BOARD DATE:  17 August 2020

		DOCKET NUMBER:  AR20200000278


APPLICANT REQUESTS:  Correction of his DD Form 214 (Armed Forces of the United 
States Report of Transfer or Discharge) to show:

*	Bronze Star Medal with "V" Device
*	Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM)
*	Air Medal (AM)

APPLICANT'S SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED BY THE BOARD:

*	DD Form 149 (Application for Correction of Military Record)
*	General Orders (GO) Number 3276, dated 21 June 1969
*	Air Medal citation
*	Air Medal Certificate of Award 
*	Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM) citation 
*	ARCOM Certificate
*	DD Form 214 (Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or 
Discharge)

FACTS:

1.  The applicant did not file within the three year time frame provided in Title 10, United 
States Code, section 1552(b); however, the ABCMR conducted a substantive review of 
this case and determined it is in the interest of justice to excuse the applicant's failure to 
timely file.

2.  The applicant's records contain GO's for the Bronze Star with "V" Device and will be 
administratively added to the applicant's DD Form 214.  The DD Form 214 contains the 
award for Air Medal, and is listed as “AM” in item 24 (Decorations, Medals, Badges, 
Commendations, Citations and Campaign Ribbons Awarded or Authorized). These 
awards will not be addressed any further in the record of proceedings.  The Board will 
consider the ARCOM.



3.  A review of the applicant’s military service records shows the following: 

   a.  On 27 January 1968, the applicant enlisted in the US Army Reserve. 
   
   b.  On 13 May 1968, he was ordered and entered on active duty.
   
   c.  On 21 October 1969, he was released from active duty and transferred to the 
USAR Control Group (Annual Training), St. Louis, MO.  His DD Form 214 for the period 
ending on 24 October 1969 reflects he was awarded or authorized: 

*	National Defense Service Medal
*	Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Rifle Bar (M-16)
*	Combat Infantry Badge
*	Vietnam Service Medal
*	Vietnam Campaign Medal
*	Two Overseas Bars
*	Air Medal

   d.  	The applicant's records are void of orders awarding him the ARCOM.  
Additionally, there is no entry on his DA Form 20 (Enlisted Qualification Record) in 
item 41 (Awards and Decorations) reflecting an ARCOM.

4.  The applicant provides: 

   a.  ARCOM citation showing the applicant was presented the award meritorious 
service in support of allied counterinsurgency operations in the Republic of Vietnam 
from October 1968 to October 1969. 
   
   b.  ARCOM Certificate showing he was awarded it on 4 October 1969. 
   
   c.  DD form 214, referenced in paragraph 3c. 

5.  See applicable REFERENCES below.


BOARD DISCUSSION:

After reviewing the application and all supporting evidence, in addition to the corrections 
noted in the Administrative Notes below the signature block, the Board found that partial 
relief was warranted. 

1.  The Board agreed with the analyst of record that there is sufficient evidence to add 
the BSM (V) (see Administrative Notes (below the Signature Block)).

2.  The Board found sufficient evidence to grant the following awards:

	a.  The AGCM due to the evidence of record, which confirms he served 
honorably during the period 13 May 1968 through 24 October 1969.  His DD Form 20 
reflects excellence ratings, his record does not contain any information that would have 
precluded him from being recommended for or awarded the AGCM (1st Award), and he 
was honorably released from active duty.

	b.  The ARCOM due to the ARCOM certificate provided by the applicant.

3.  However, the Board found insufficient evidence of error regarding the applicant’s 
request to have his Air Medal (AM) added to his DD Form 214 as this award is already 
reflected on his discharge document.


BOARD VOTE:

Mbr 1	Mbr 2	Mbr 3

:	:	:	GRANT FULL RELIEF

:	:	:	GRANT PARTIAL RELIEF

:	:	:	GRANT FORMAL HEARING

:	:	:	DENY APPLICATION


BOARD DETERMINATION/RECOMMENDATION:

In addition to the corrections listed in the Administrative Notes (below the signature 
block), the Board determined the evidence presented is sufficient to warrant a 
recommendation for partial relief.  

1.  As a result, the Board recommends that all Department of the Army records of the 
individual concerned be corrected by 

	a.  awarding the applicant the AGCM, and 

	b.  correcting his DD Form 214 with effective date 24 Octuber 1969 by amending 
item 26 (Decorations, Medals, Badges, Commendations, Citations and Campaign 
Ribbons Awarded or Authorized) as follows:

		(1)  add ARCOM,

		(2)  add AGCM,

2.  The Board further determined the evidence presented is insufficient to warrant a 
portion of the requested relief.  As a result, the Board recommends denial of so much of 
the application that pertains to the AM.


		  
I certify that herein is recorded the true and complete record of the proceedings of the 
Army Board for Correction of Military Records in this case.

ADMINISTRATIVE NOTE(S):

1.  Reference the enclosed request for correction of military records, correct the 
applicant's DD Form 214 for the period ending 24 October 1969, by adding the following 
award:

*	Bronze Star Medal with "V" Device 

2.  The following documents are sufficient to justify correction of the DD Form 214 
without action by the Board.

*	DD Form 214
*	DA Form 20
*	Orders

3.  Correct the applicant’s DD Form 214 to add the awards shown in paragraph 1 
above.  Provide the applicant with a copy of the corrections and the medals and 
citations, as applicable.  Please record the corrections in the applicant’s official military 
personnel record. 



REFERENCES:

1.  Title 10, United States Code, section 1552(b), provides that applications for 
correction of military records must be filed within 3 years after discovery of the alleged 
error or injustice.  This provision of law also allows the ABCMR to excuse an applicant's 
failure to timely file within the 3 year statute of limitations if the Army Board for 
Correction of Military Records (ABCMR) determines it would be in the interest of justice 
to do so.

2.  Army Regulation 600-8-22 (Military Awards) states the ARCOM may be awarded to 
any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any 
capacity with the Army after 6 December 1941, distinguishes themselves by heroism, 
meritorious achievement, or meritorious service.  As with all personal decorations, 
formal recommendations, approval through the chain of command, and announcement 
in orders are required.

//NOTHING FOLLOWS//
ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont)	 AR20200000278


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ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS


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